Morales, Vega, Castillo and Castro were already in custody on unrelated charges.

Candi Pascual, was also taken into custody Tuesday based on a state bench warrant.

Seven children were also removed by the Department of Children and Family Services from the defendant's residences Tuesday.

Federal investigators say, for more than two years, undercover agents infiltrated the gang learning who the key players were and how they operated.

"During the course of the investigation, we bought narcotics, weapons and we conducted undercover transactions to target this gang to get up to the important leadership - the highest level out on their street," said Delaney.

The Mara Salvatrucha gang, or MS-13 gang, is a notorious violent gang that was born in the immigrant communities just west of downtown L.A.

It has spread its violence and drug dealing across the country and into Mexico and Central America. The MS-13 gang is estimated to have several thousand members, and is known for its brutality and strong ties to the Mexican Mafia.

If convicted of the charges, federal authorities say the suspects face prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life.